A pilot study to evaluate nutritional influences on gastrointestinal symptoms and behavior patterns in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Harris, Cristen; Card, Bethany

doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2012.08.004

Cited by 39 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Indeed, some studies related irritability to GI disorders in children with ASD [Ibrahim et al., ; Reichelt & Knivsberg, ]. Improvement of behavioral pattern in some children with ASD after institution of casein and gluten‐free diet was reported [Harris & Card, ]. However, we believe that the accuracy in attributing behavioral symptoms to GI dysfunction could not be assessed and it was, therefore, excluded as an independent symptom of GI disorders in this study.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Kang¹,

Wagner

Ming

2014

Autism Research

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Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunctions are frequently reported by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and have been recently recognized as a comorbid condition. However, the clinical significance of these GI dysfunctions remains to be delineated. This study describes the clinical characteristics, associated comorbid disorders, and endoscopic and colonoscopic evaluation of GI dysfunction in a cohort of 164 children with ASD evaluated at a pediatric neurology practice. Symptoms of GI dysfunction were prevalent: 49% of the children reported one or more chronic GI complaints, 22% exhibited diarrhea, 26% suffered from constipation. Furthermore 13% of the parents reported their children to suffer from bloating and/or being gassy and while 10% of the parents reported vomiting or gastroesophageal reflux problems. Similar rates of GI symptoms were reported among pre-school and school-aged children. Inflammation of the gut was found in 6 of the 12 subjects who underwent endoscopic and colonoscopic evaluations, however clinical symptoms did not predict the results of the evaluation. GI dysfunction was significantly associated with sleep disorders and food intolerance, but not with irritability or aggressiveness. In summary, GI dysfunction was prevalent in this cohort of children with ASD, observations consistent with the reports of parents and other clinicians. We conclude that the GI dysfunction in ASD requires proper evaluation and treatment.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Kang¹,

Wagner

Ming

2014

Autism Research

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“…Four group observational studies 29–32 were reviewed that contribute evidence informing more nuanced aspects of future GFCF diet trials; these studies are summarized in Table 5. An observational study by Patel and Curtis 29 incorporated pre- and post-testing of 10 children who received a comprehensive, multi-faceted treatment regime, which for some children included a GFCF diet.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of gluten- and casein-free diets for treatment of autism: 2005–2015

Elder¹,

Kreider²,

Schaefer³

et al. 2015

NDS

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Background The gluten free, casein free (GFCF) diet is heralded by strong anecdotal parental reports to greatly improve and even “cure” symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Yet to date, little conclusive empirical evidence exists supporting its use. Objective The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the state of the recent evidence regarding use of GFCF diet for treatment of individuals with ASD. Methods Five database providers (PubMed, Web of Knowledge, EBSCO, ProQuest, and WorldCat) were used to search 19 databases yielding a total of 491 articles that were published through February 2015. Peer reviewed articles published between 2005 and February 2015 were included for review if study participants were identified as having ASD and investigated the effects of the GFCF diet on ASD behaviors or the relationship between the diet and these behaviors. Results Evaluation of search results yielded 11 reviews, 7 group experimental studies including 5 randomized controlled trials, 5 case reports, and 4 group observational studies published during the last 10 years. These studies represent a marked increase in number of reported studies as well as increased scientific rigor in investigation of GFCF diets in ASD. Conclusions While strong empirical support for the GFCF diet in ASD is currently lacking, studies point to the need for identifying subsets of individuals (e.g., those with documented gastrointestinal abnormalities) who may be the best responders to the GFCF diet. Identifying these subsets is critically needed to enhance rigor in this research area. Until rigorous research supporting use of GFCF diet is reported, clinicians should continue use caution and consider several factors when advising regarding implementation of the GFCF diet for individuals with ASD.

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“…The GSRS has been used in several studies of children with ASD [49] but the language used is complicated and overly clinical, and it was originally designed for use in adults to screen for irritable bowel syndrome and peptic ulcer disease [42]. However, at the time of study initiation, the GSRS was considered the best questionnaire available for capturing the anticipated five domains in GI symptomatology: abdominal pain, reflux, indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation and has since been used in a number of ASD studies [50][51][52][53]. Overall, GI symptoms improved over time in most of the participants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implementation of an Elemental Diet in Five Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Presenting with Gastrointestinal Disease: A Brief Report

Barnhill

Gutierrez

Potts

et al. 2020

IJN

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by impaired communication and social interaction. Children with ASD are frequently diagnosed with gastrointestinal (GI) issues, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation, although the association between ASD and GI conditions is unclear. Underlying nutritional deficiencies are more common in children with ASD, and increase the risk of them developing medical conditions secondary to the behavioral diagnosis. This objective of this study was to examine the use of an elemental diet (ED) in the treatment of gastrointestinal disease in 5 children with ASD ages 2-21 years of age. In the study participants, the ED was well-tolerated with improvements in anthropometric measures, nutritional markers, and/or GI functioning reported after 12 weeks of intervention. Further research to advance the development of specific evidence-based guidelines in the management and treatment of gastrointestinal concerns in the ASD population is warranted.

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A pilot study to evaluate nutritional influences on gastrointestinal symptoms and behavior patterns in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Cited by 39 publications

References 11 publications

Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

A review of gluten- and casein-free diets for treatment of autism: 2005–2015

Implementation of an Elemental Diet in Five Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Presenting with Gastrointestinal Disease: A Brief Report

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A pilot study to evaluate nutritional influences on gastrointestinal symptoms and behavior patterns in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Cited by 39 publications

References 11 publications

Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

A review of gluten- and casein-free diets for treatment of autism: 2005&ndash;2015

Implementation of an Elemental Diet in Five Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Presenting with Gastrointestinal Disease: A Brief Report

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A review of gluten- and casein-free diets for treatment of autism: 2005–2015